Gowling WLG and Stephenson Harwood have become the latest international firms to open offices in Saudi Arabia, joining a growing list of global players expanding in the Kingdom.
The moves follow recent openings by Reed Smith, Freshfields, Simmons & Simmons and others, as firms seek to capitalise on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 programme.
Gowling WLG and Stephenson Harwood have become the latest international players to set up shop in Saudi Arabia, as global law firms continue to expand in the Kingdom’s fast-growing market for legal services.
Stephenson Harwood will open offices in Riyadh and Al Khobar, a key hub for the country’s maritime industry, while Gowling has launched in Riyadh through a joint venture with Saudi firm AlGhazzawi & Partners.
Behind the moves
Stephenson Harwood will open in November 2025 with a three-partner team led by corporate partner Marcus Latta, who joins from New York-headquartered firm Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle.
Latta will work alongside existing Stephenson Harwood partners Khurram Ali, who will head the firm’s marine, trade and offshore practice in the Kingdom as well as Tammy Samuel, who becomes head of Saudi Arabia.
Gowling has secured a law licence in the Kingdom through its joint venture with AlGhazzawi & Partners, formalising a relationship first established in 2021.
The office will focus on IP, technology and energy & infrastructure, led by tech/IP partner Bachir Chakra and finance/capital markets partner Imran Mufti. They will be supported by regional partners Tim Casben, Jonathan Brufal, Alex Brazeau and Jon Parker.
Bigger picture
The Saudi legal market has seen a wave of new international entrants this year, driven by the country’s economic diversification and infrastructure boom under Vision 2030.
In recent months alone, Reed Smith, Freshfields, Simmons & Simmons, Pinsent Masons, BCLP and Bird & Bird have all opened or announced plans to open in the Kingdom.
What they said
Stephenson Harwood CEO Eifion Morris said "We want to carve out a distinct position by leveraging our strengths as a European, Middle Eastern, and Asian firm, and our offices in the Kingdom are another step in extending our geographic footprint.
"Off the back of strong financial growth, this strategic investment reflects our confidence in Saudi Arabia as a market full of potential and opportunity, which we are well placed to service."
David Fennell, CEO of Gowling WLG UK, said: "This significant milestone marks an essential regional step in the growth of our international platform.
"By expanding our presence in Saudi Arabia, we are reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional value and innovative solutions to our clients worldwide. We look forward to contributing to the dynamic and rapidly evolving market in the region."
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